Tag Archives: New Balance

A forgotten store – Uniqlo

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My husband was asking me the other day where he should look for minimalist, contemporary trousers for himself. He loves James Perse but their prices are not so lovely. As I wracked my brain I suddenly remembered Uniqlo. It’s a store I always forget about – probably as we don’t have a bricks and mortar store here in Atlanta. I’ve made many great purchases from them over the years – particularly their knitwear and outerwear. As I was checking out the men’s section I figured I may as well take a quick peek at the women’s section!

Firstly I had forgotten how amazing their prices are! For great quality basics they are hard to beat. In fact my son has some of their long sleeve t-shirts and I swear the cotton feels so luxurious and soft – and yet I paid $9.99 for them in NYC last fall!

These pieces in particular caught my eye.

These dresses have a built in bra. Now for summer this is perfect – even I, with a generous bust, love a built in bra in the summer – so easy and no fiddling with bra hooks when its hot. Even better – its not a shelf bra that can often be unflattering resulting in a mono boob 😉 The bra in these dresses actually has soft cups to separate and give a flattering bust line.

Uniqlo dress with bra

Uniqlo dress with bra striped bra dress Uniqlo striped bra dress

Next up culottes are always a great choice for summer – easy to wear and cool – and these have a lovely elastic waist band. They are available in navy, black, beige and yellow – more of a mustard color.

jersey culottes

Uniqlo jersey culottes

This style is slightly dressier and can double as a skirt with the convenience of trousers. Available in black, navy, pink and beige.

Uniqlo pleated wide leg trousers

I love a great jumpsuit and these are gorgeous – and JUST $19.90 right now!! A whole outfit for less than $20 and it gets rave reviews. Just perfect with sneakers during the day, then throw on a blazer or leather jacket and a pair of heels for dinner!

Uniqlo jumpsuit Uniqlo jersey jumpsuit

If you’re in the UK check out this style of jumpsuit. I’m not sure if they have sold out in the USA or if we’re waiting for them to arrive – regardless my sister has a package on its way to her that I can collect in May 😉 Again an absolute steal for £24.90! I think they are perfect for traveling – easy to pack and so versatile for sight seeing or dinner out.

So what do you think? Are you a regular Uniqlo shopper? What other items do you rate that I should be checking out?

As for my daily outfits – well last week I was on Spring Break so it was bikinis all week. If you saw on Instagram I am a HUGE fan of Athleta’s swimwear. Their fabrics are amazing quality and the tops and bottoms all come in various styles which you can mix and match – I love them! You can use this referral link and receive 20% off an item.

Jeans – H&M // Sneaker – Nike // Top – Mango (old) // Jacket – AllSaints // Bag – Coach

Top – Madewell // Shorts – J.Crew (30% off with code LOTSTOSHOP) // Flipflops – Gap // Bag – Coach

Dress – ASOS // Sneakers – New Balance x J.Crew // Bag – Balenciaga

 

 

Sneaker lust.

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I love sneakers. Yes I do. I always have and I always head straight back to them when I need to get ready in a hurry. Whatever the style – throw on a blazer or leather jacket and jeans and you’re good to go for whatever the day may throw at you.

Here are a few of my current favorites.

I received these blush Thea last week and absolutely love them. They are the perfect color for spring and summer and will look great with tanned legs and denim shorts.

These are the flyknit version of the Thea and I wore these at the weekend for running errands. They are SO lightweight and comfortable, and they fit like a sock. I always size up half a size in the Theas.

I’m normally an Air Max girl when it comes to Nike – 90s or 95s. I’ve been wearing them years and wore the 95s all the time when we lived in London. I still remember them – I had a pair of grey and green and a pair of navy and orange. Now I am suddenly drawn to the Nike Huarache. I have never tried them on, but this is a shoe that I once thought was super ugly – now I am strangely drawn to them. My favorites are the Huarache ultra – I think they look super sleek and sharp in plain white:

These are gorgeous – out of stock on Nike.com here in my size so I’ve asked my sister to do me a favor for when I head home in May – in the UK they have all sizes here!

It’s spring (apparently Atlanta has forgotten today) and an injection of color is always welcome. These are FABULOUS! They are the Nike Air Huarache.

It’s easy to lose track of all the variations – ultra, air, and air premium to name but a few. These are the Nike Air Huarache Premium – I love the detailing on these.

Finally a curve ball. I am a loyal New Balance fan when it comes to running and working out. I haven’t found anything as comfortable and light as the 860 v7. I have a couple of pairs of New Balance for J.Crew which I love for their fun colors. These however are totally different and I LOVE them – especially in the burgundy and rose gold – the Vazee Rush lifestyle slip on. Use the code SHAMROCKS in the US for 15% discount.

All are probably quite polarizing – and I love them all – but then again I’ve yet to meet a sneaker that I won’t try!

Today Atlanta is FREEZING – I’ve had to dig out my knitwear and scarves again! Roll on short weather!

Shoes – Nike Air Max // Trousers – Zara (old) // Shirt – Mango (old) // Sweater – H&M (old) // Jacket – AllSaints (old) // Scarf – Boden (old) // Bag – Coach

 

Back to reality

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Well we made it home safe and sound, if a little tired. 12 hours is a long time to be on a flight! I’m still not sure what time it is and I feel pretty fuzzy but the kids were up bright and early this morning excited to see their friends in their last week of camp before school starts!

I am back in the office trying to remember what I do for a living 😉

TopShop torusersTrousers – TopShop //   Sneakers – New Balance from J.Crew // Top – Mango sale // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

 

I do love a good dress

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A dress can be the easiest thing to throw on – and when you get it right it can be a killer outfit! I love a dress and my closet is now diversifying from the AllSaints drapes that I adore. Of course heading to Turkey next week gives me the excuse to buy dresses – they feel more conservative and appropriate in Istanbul – even a strappy sundress can be adapted for a mosque with a scarf over the shoulders.

I have this Gap dress in pink and adore it – I’ve just ordered the blue with code TGIF in the US – I have a large – it’s cut quite narrow around the bust so be careful if you are well endowed. Oh and I can’t stand the belt so have immediately discarded it!

Gap

& Other Stories are fabulous for unusual prints and they have their sale running right now. There are some dresses from a couple of seasons ago that I have ordered.

Many of my friends have the porcelain midi dress – I’ve ordered this style – I’m really starting to embrace blue. It’s reduced from $115 to $58.

porcelain

The Mountain print dress is pretty polarizing but I think it will look amazing with a tan and black espadrilles. This is reduced from $90 to $45.

moutain print

Finally in the sale – a dress I see wearing a lot in the Fall with ankle boots – I’ve been desperate for another plaid dress and love the length of this one. Reduced from $115 to $58.

check

There is 25% off certain footwear and dresses at Madewell this weekend with code UNIFORM. I’ve ordered these for my vacation closet. Size down in the dress.

eyelet boardwalk dress Screen Shot 2016-06-17 at 2.33.42 PM Screen Shot 2016-06-17 at 2.33.57 PM

Some food for thought – and yes my packing pile is growing aaaargh!

Ending with outfits from the past couple of days…

flaresJeans  – Zara // Shoes – Castaner // Top – Mango (in sale) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

H&M dressSneaker – New Balance // Dress – H&M (in sale) // Bag – Hill & Friends

Spring Break 2016 – Fort Morgan

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I’m afraid the blogging isn’t going to be very prolific this week. I am currently sitting on a deck with a coffee looking out to the Gulf of Mexico. Once again we are spending Spring Break in Fort Morgan – a beautiful, quiet strip of beach just to the west of Gulf Shores. This year we have a frat house next door to us – Poppy is fascinated and has suddenly expressed a real desire to go to college!

Before I left I decided to get my hair chopped again. The reaction has been mainly ‘at last!’, ‘thank goodness for that’, ‘it’s taken years off you’, ‘Joanna is BACK!’…why on earth don’t people want to tell you these things while you struggle to grow your hair long!? The Husband is thrilled it is short again!

hair Collage

I must admit I think it’s a state of mind too. When I had my septum pierced I really thought I needed to soften my look as the piercing is quite aggressive looking to some. However, now I am so used to it myself I feel more confident about the short hair paired with it. Plus I am running a lot again and that does wonders for my outlook, and don’t give a f*ck attitude 🙂

Before I had my hair cut I spent a few days debating – going backwards and forwards – but I am thrilled with it now and looking at my photos before and after I love it. If I ever say I’m growing it again – shoot me!

gap top CollageTop – The Gap (adore these and have all 3 colors – get 40% off in the US with code SPRINGFUN) // Trousers – Mango (old) // Bag – Givenchy Pandora // Shoes – Vince

Zara topTop – Zara // Trousers – The Gap (again adore these and have all 3 colors! 40% off with code SPRINGFUN in the US) // Shoes – Soludos (most comfortable espadrilles ever – UK here, US here) // Bag – Givenchy Pandora

Otway boots collageBoots – Isabel Marant Otway (found them on eBay at the right price and right size at last!! All the way from Romania!) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Top – Mango // Jacket – J.Crew // Bag – Givenchy Pandora

For now it’s farewell from the sun and surf…

Screen Shot 2016-04-04 at 8.25.48 AMRunning top – Lululemon // Shorts – Lululemon // Sneakers – New Balance (I will never run in another brand again these are so perfect)

Screen Shot 2016-04-04 at 8.26.13 AM

 

What I’ve been wearing

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The short week here has meant I’ve been a very bad blogger this week. So here I am sharing what I wore over the long weekend!

We went to the stables north of Atlanta on Sunday for our annual photos of the children. It’s beautiful up there and a lovely drive to escape from the city for a morning.

Horse parkJeans – J.Crew (similar here on sale) // Sneakers – Nike Air Max // T-shirt – J.Crew // Scarf – J.Crew (on sale plus an extra 25% off with LOVEFALL)

We headed out for a lovely lunch later that day so I used it as an excuse to throw on a long frock.

Splendid dressBag – Mango (similar here) // Dress – Splendid (similar jumpsuit here) // Jacket – J.Crew // Sandals – Ancient Greeks (discounted here)

Monday was spent in sweats at home. I cooked an amazing roast loin of pork and we had Sunday on a Monday – bliss.

Back to work called for a couple of comfortable dresses.

Mango dressBoots – Dicker Isabel Marant // Dress – Mango // Scarf – J.Crew (on sale with an extra 25% off with LOVEFALL)

ASOS dressDress – ASOS t-shirt dress (on sale and straight out of the packaging hence the creases!) // Sneakers – New Balance by J.Crew // Scarf – Boden (old – similar here on sale) // Bag – H&M

Thanks to all of you who provided input on the hair too the other day! I decided to keep growing it – at least for now!

Labor Weekend codes!

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It’s always worth taking advantage of some Labor weekend sales/promo codes and here is a round up of the ones I am aware of!

American Apparel // up to 50% off select styles

Ann Taylor // 50% off select full price and all sale styles

Code: HAPPY50

Date: 9/3-9/6

Anthropologie // 30% off sale

Code: EXTRA30

ASOS // 10% off entire purchase including sale items

US – TREATYOSELF

UK – 10% off sale only using YAY10

Banana Republic // 40% off your entire purchase

Code: BRFALL

Ends: 9/8

BaubleBar // 50-60% off select styles

Date: Ends 9/7

Bloomingdales // save 20-70% on select items

Date: Through 9/7

Bluefly // over 5,000 styles up to 90% off

Brooks Brothers // up to 60% off clearance

Date: now – 9/7

Club Monaco // 40% off sale and clearance

Code: NOTOVERYET

Date: Ends 9/7

Gap // 40% off everything

Intermix // enjoy an extra 50% off all sale items for a total savings of up to 75% off

J.Crew Factory // 50% off everything

Date: Ends 9/7

J.Crew // 30% off your order of $125+

Code: GETSHOPPING

Date: Ends 9/9

JCPenney // 20% off with a JCPenney credit card

Date: now – 9/7

Kate Spade // 25% off all sale items

Code: Delight

Date: Through 9/7

L.K. Bennett // extra 40% off all sale styles

Code: LD40

Date: Ends 9/7

LOFT // 30% off fall arrivals plus and extra 50% off summer styles

Madewell // take 30% off fall essentials and an extra 30% off all sale styles

Date: Ends 9/7

Nordstrom // save up to 40% on sale items

Date: until 9/13

Old Navy // up to 60% off everything

Pottery Barn // 10% off 100$ or more 15% off $250 or more 20% off $500 or more 25 off $1000 or more

Code: SAVEMORE

Date: Ends 9/7

Pottery Barn Kids // 10% off 100$ or more 15% off $250 or more 20% off $500 or more 25 off $1000 or more

Code: SAVEMORE

Date: Ends 9/7

Code: WFLBEACH1

River Island // 25% off everything

Code: LABOR2515

Saks Fifth Avenue // up to 75% off the summer sunset sale

Date: Ends 9/7

Too Faced // summer lovin’ sale up to 71% off on all sale items

Date: Ends 9/7

UGG // 30% off all fall fashion

Victoria’s Secret // $15 off $100 order, $25 off $150 order, $50 off  $250 order

Code: fall 2015

West Elm // 10% off 100$ or more 15% off $250 or more 20% off $500 or more

Code: SAVEMORE

Date: Ends 9/7

The White Company // 20% off and free shipping

Code: 272AA

Phew! That lot should keep you busy! Meanwhile here I am wearing my ASOS Thea jeans which are just $20 in the sale and now you can get the extra 10% off! They have a great high rise and on me just skim the ankles.

ASOS jeans 1 ASOS jeans 2Jeans – Asos Thea // Top – Mango (similar here) // Sneakers – New Balance J.Crew // Bag – H&M (sold out online but a I’ve found a great selection of shopping baskets here)

While I’m raving about ASOS check out Becky’s new dungarees here! The white version is on sale for just $32 here and  I LOVE the khaki version – especially now I’ve seen the Pinterest images!

white

khaki

 

And these are Becky’s.

black dungarees

 

khaki 5 khaki 4 khaki 3 khaki 2 khaki 1

So I’ll love you and leave you for now – it’s blazing here so I may be living in this skirt over the weekend!

JCREW skirtSkirt – J.Crew sale (just $20 with the code GETSHOPPING) // T-shirt – Splendid // Shoes – Ancient Greeks

Oh and one more thing – I must share with the US folks – we can now get Caroline Hirons‘ magical potion, Pixi Glow Tonic, here online at Target! It’s fab – stock up!

glow

 

Boden are back on my Fall Winter wish list!

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Those of you who have followed me from the start will remember that I used to be OBSESSED with Boden. In fact one of the reasons I started blogging was because I enjoyed sharing my new Boden purchases on their social media forum (no longer operating). The problem is I was, and still am, developing my personal style and I think I just became weary of my Boden tunics, knitwear and jackets. I never really subscribed to their ‘fun prints’, but their quality and customer service could not and cannot ever be faulted. Of course I also loved wearing a quintessential British brand to remind me of home. Being here in the US also means that Boden can be worn loud and proud without incurring any of the potentially negative brand associations that it has in the UK – mumsy, middle class and frumpy.

I haven’t even visited the site recently but a 20% off code – 2A9Z in the US – was enough to lure me in.  I did order the beautiful Alice shoes back in June but unfortunately they were way too narrow. At their reduced price of just $89 in the clearance I am tempted to try them again half a size up.

pinkThis Breton is currently in my basket. I absolutely LOVE the pine color and the broader stripes.

Breton

I’ve recently sold many of my winter coats. Each year I find they just don’t get worn. I LOVE a great coat, but here in Atlanta, even when it is cold, I have little need for a heavy winter coat as this city is all about the car – no walking outside wrapped up in the cold is required. This beautiful Ella jacket will be sufficient – again it is currently 20% off.

Ella

Of course I want the Alexa sweater to wear with it as modeled above.

Alexa

How fabulous would the shoes, jacket and sweater look together – and you can save $150 on the outift today!

Boden collage

Have you seen anything that excites you on the Boden website? If you haven’t looked for a while I encourage you to – you might be surprised as I was. I have to say I am quite excited about seeing some Boden back in my closet!

AllSAintsDress – AllSaints (similar here or with long sleeves here) // Sandals – Cypriot sandals (similar here) // Bag – H&M

H&MBlouse – H&M // Trousers – Zara (old similar here) // Shoes – New Balance J.Crew // Bag – H&M

How many pairs of sneakers does a girl need?

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Hmm well replace ‘need’ with ‘want’ and it seems to be never ending! I’ve had a love affair with sneakers/trainers since I was young when I cherished my Dunlop Green Flash. My Mum would whiten them for me, which inevitably resulted in crusty shoes, as you were in effect putting white paint on them that cracked once it dried! I soon moved onto Converse and they were my staple at University – I had a green pair and a lilac pair. Of course once the 90s arrived it was all about the Adidas Gazelles. Interestingly I still have Gazelles and Converse in my collection – but no Green Flash! Do they even still sell them?

So going back to the question I have so many sneakers now that I cannot ever say ‘I need those’ when it comes to a new pair. I have running shoes, sneakers for fashion and even sneakers-to-wear-with-work-out-gear-when-I’m-not-actually-working-out, as my husband duly noted this morning. Due to my rather large collection of sneakers, these days I tend to wait for the sales to add a new style, or a new color, to the mix. Many of the sneakers you will see in the sale are the same style as the new season, but just a different selection of colors. So unless you are buying high performance running shoes you won’t be missing out on any new technology!

Nike very kindly just sent me a code for an extra 20% off clearance – BACK2SPORT. Some of my favorite casual sneakers are the Nike Internationalist. These are currently on sale so you will get your extra 20% off making them just $48, reduced from the regular price of $85. I have a couple of pairs at home and I can vouch for their comfort.

Nike-Internationalist-Womens-Shoe-629684_302_E_PREM Nike-Internationalist-Womens-Shoe-629684_303_E_PREM

 

This navy pair are slightly more but have to be my favorite for the Fall, and you’ll get the extra 20% off too.

W-NIKE-INTERNATIONALIST-FO-QS-807148_400_E_PREM

 

While on the Nike site I fell hard for these – bright red but I adore Air Max! These would be amazing with black skinnies and a black cashmere sweater.

W-AIR-MAX-90-ULTRA-ESSENTIAL-724981_600_A_PREM

 

If you are looking for some serious running shoes you can’t go wrong with the Lunar Flyknits. I always go up half a size at least for running to give me plenty of room in the toe box. These are in the sale, in a couple of colors, reduced from $150, with an extra 20% off too!

WMNS-NIKE-FLYKNIT-LUNAR3-698182_007_E_PREM

 

Now for the classic New Balance. Take a look at these images and tell me they aren’t cool!

pinterest 4 pinterest 3 pinterest 2 pinterest 1

 

My favorite New Balance 620s are on sale on the New Balance site reduced from $79.99 to $59.99. I found a discount code for you too! RETAILMENOT will get you 12% off plus free shipping. How could you say no to green and bubble gum pink?

630 green

 

Or navy and apple?

630 navy

 

Finally – (not on sale – don’t shoot me) – I spotted some amazing colors new on the J.Crew site. These always sell out super fast as they are custom colors unique to J.Crew. I’m definitely getting my hands on this olive and pink pair.

620 JCrew

The classic navy pair are gorgeous and a little more subtle.

630 JCrew navy

 

I wore a pair of my 620s yesterday, then I forgot to take a photo of them! I was dashing from one place to another and, take it from me, they added a little pace around the supermarket!

On Friday I made the trip to IKEA. One I try to do only x2 a year. This time of year is NOT the time to go as every GA Tech and GA State student is there trying to furnish their abode for the next year! As a side note I used to be quite a snob about cooking utensils and pots and pans – but IKEA do some fabulous pots and pans and baking ware!

WatermelonTrousers – Zara (old) // Shoes – TopShop Kingfisher // T-shirt – H&M

Today it’s back to work. I dropped Stella, our white boxer, at the vet today to have a mast cell tumor removed. Very common in boxers but still I hated leaving her there!

JCrew blazerShoes – Vince Nina (on sale here and here) // Jeans – J.Crew (sale) // Top – Mango (sale) // Jacket – J.Crew Regent blazer // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco (similar here discounted)

 

My birthday weekend starts now!

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I’m 44 on Monday. How did that happen? I don’t feel anything like I thought you were supposed to at 44. Aren’t I supposed to be a grown up by now?

winging it

I’ve always loved to celebrate my birthday, so as my weekend starts today, so do my birthday celebrations! My husband joined me for lunch today and tonight we’ll be entertained by the GOP debate! I can’t wait – I hope Donald Trump will entertain as expected!

Today I started the day with a run – massive mistake. It was about 77 degrees so I thought it would be tolerable. I had failed to factor in the 100% humidity – talk about running through a sauna. I’m still as dehydrated as a Farley’s Rusk now! At least I got to wear my new running shoes and capris!

runners

And here is the first outfit of my birthday weekend. Yes I have all 3 colors of the TopShop Kingfisher espadrilles – I love them!

MadewellShoes – TopShop // Jeans – J.Crew // Top – Madewell (final sale)

hearts beat for

p.s. a quick update on our efforts to help out those 2 little girls – Taylor Swift is in!